Radiosurgery versus observation for brainstem cavernous malformations: a 5-year multicentre cohort study.

The role of radiosurgery in preventing haemorrhage in brainstem cavernous malformations remains a subject of debate. This study aims to evaluate whether radiosurgery provides a protective benefit against haemorrhage in these patients. This multicentre, prospective observational study was conducted in 17 centres and enrolled eligible patients with brainstem cavernous malformations consecutively. Data collected included clinical baseline information, radiosurgery planning details, periodic follow-up evaluations, and any adverse radiation effects. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of first prospective haemorrhage, while the secondary outcome was the development of new or worsening neurological dysfunctions. The impact of radiosurgery was assessed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. From March 2016 to August 2018, the study enrolled 377 patients: 280 in the observation group receiving standard care alone and 97 in the radiosurgery group receiving both radiosurgery and standard care. The overall cohort consisted of 173 females (45.9%) with a mean age of 40.5 years (range, 18-68 years), and there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. After a median follow-up period of 70 months, haemorrhage occurred in 25.0% (n = 70) of patients in the observation group and 10.3% (n = 10) of patients in the radiosurgery group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified radiosurgery as an independent protective factor against haemorrhage (hazard ratio 0.379, 95% confidence interval 0.195-0.738, P = 0.004). Following 1:2 propensity score matching, the incidence of prospective haemorrhage were 24.9% (45/181) in the observation group compared to 10.3% (10/97) in the radiosurgery group (hazard ratio 0.379, 95% confidence interval 0.190-0.755, P = 0.006). Adverse radiation effects were observed in 12 patients (12.4%), with none were permanent. Additionally, new or worsening neurological dysfunctions were significantly more common in the observation group (28.9%) compared to the radiosurgery group (16.5%) (P = 0.016). These results suggest that radiosurgery is associated with a low rate of haemorrhage in patients with brainstem cavernous malformations and could provide a benefit in selected patients. However, further research is required to confirm these findings.

Hemorrhagic Outcome of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations following Radiosurgery: Dose-Response Relationship.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the impact of gamma knife radiosurgery on brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs). METHODS: A total of 85 patients (35 females; median age 41.0 years) who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for brainstem CMs at our institute between 2006 and 2015 were enrolled in a prospective clinical observation trial. Risk factors for hemorrhagic outcomes were evaluated, and outcomes were compared across different margin doses. RESULTS: The pre-radiosurgery annual hemorrhage rate (AHR) was 32.3% (44 hemorrhages during 136.2 patient-years). The median planning target volume was 1.292 cc. The median margin and maximum doses were 15.0 and 29.2 Gy, respectively, with a median isodose line of 50.0%. The post-radiosurgery AHR was 2.7% (21 hemorrhages during 769.9 patient-years), with a rate of 5.5% within the first 2 years and 2.0% thereafter. The post-radiosurgery AHR for patients with margin doses of ≤13.0 Gy (n = 15), 14.0-15.0 Gy (n = 50), and ≥16.0 Gy (n = 20) was 5.4, 2.7, and 0.6%, respectively. Correspondingly, transient adverse radiation effects were observed in 6.7 (1/15), 10.0 (5/50), and 30.0% (6/20) of cases, respectively. An increased margin dose per 1 Gy (hazard ratio: 0.530, 95% CI: 0.341-0.826, p = 0.005) was identified as an independent protective factor against post-radiosurgery hemorrhage. Margin doses of ≥16.0 Gy were associated with improved hemorrhagic outcomes (hazard ratio: 0.343, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.157-0.749, p = 0.007), but an increased risk of adverse radiation effects (odds ratio: 3.006, 95% CI: 1.041-8.677, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The AHR of brainstem CMs decreased following radiosurgery, and our study revealed a significant dose-response relationship. Margin doses of 14-15 Gy were recommended. Further studies are required to validate our findings.

Inter-Defect Septal Puncture Technique For Single Device Closure of Wide-Spaced Multi-Hole Atrial Septal Defect.

Closure of a wide-spaced multi-hole secundum atrial septal defect (MHASD) using a single occluder is difficult to accomplish. Multiple occluder implantation has risks such as incomplete endothelialisation, device embolisation, and residual shunt. Blade or balloon septotomy enables single device occlusion; however, the aforementioned may cause a short circumferential rim with subsequent device instability. This paper describes an inter-defect septal puncture technique for single device closure of different layouts of wide-spaced MHASDs via per-atrial or percutaneous approach under exclusive transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance. This technique combined with anti-tenting puncture equally befits a small caval atrial septal defect and MHASD with a floppy aneurysmal septum.

Polysaccharide hydrogel containing silver nanoparticle@catechol microspheres with photothermal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities for infected-wounds repair.

Anti-infection hydrogels have recently aroused enormous attraction, particularly in the treatment of chronic wounds. Herein, silver nanoparticle@catechol formaldehyde resin microspheres (Ag@CFRs) were fabricated by one-step hydrothermal method and subsequently encapsulated in hydrogels which were developed by Schiff base reaction between aldehyde groups in oxidized hyaluronic acid and amino groups in carboxymethyl chitosan. The developed polysaccharide hydrogel exhibited microporous structure, high swelling capacity, favorable mechanical strength, enhanced tissue adhesion and photothermal activities. Additionally, the hydrogel not only ensured long-term and high-efficiency antibacterial performance (99.9 %) toward E. coli and S. aureus, but also realized superior cytocompatibility in vitro. Moreover, based on the triple antibacterial strategies endowed by chitosan, silver nanoparticles and the photothermal properties of catechol microspheres, the composite hydrogel exhibited excellent anti-infection function, significantly downregulated inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1ß) and promoted in vivo infected-wound healing. These results demonstrated that the polysaccharide hydrogel containing Ag@CFRs has great potential for infected-wounds repair.

Case report: Percoronary device closure of tortuous coronary artery fistula into left atrium.

Surgical ligation and transcatheter occlusion are the mainstream for the treatment of coronary artery fistulas (CAFs). However, these techniques applied to tortuous and aneurysmal CAF, especially those draining into left-heart, have their known drawbacks. We report, a successful percoronary device closure of such CAF, originating from left main coronary artery and draining into left atrium, through a left subaxillary minithoracotomy. Through a puncture on the distal straight course, we occluded CAF exclusively under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. Complete occlusion was achieved. It's a simple, safe, and effective alternative for tortuous, large, and aneurysmal CAFs draining into the left heart.

A Giant Cardiac Hemangioma Encroaching on the Right Coronary Artery.

The cardiac hemangioma is a relatively rare cardiac tumor. It can occur in different locations in the heart. We describe a patient with a giant cardiac hemangioma encroaching on the right coronary artery who underwent a successful surgical resection. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved without damaging the function of the right coronary artery. Nonetheless, meticulous follow-up is required as recurrence is possible.

Bevacizumab reduces peritumoral brain edema in lung cancer brain metastases after radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of bevacizumab (Bev) in reducing peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for lung cancer brain metastases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients with lung cancer brain metastases (70 lesions) who were admitted to our oncology and Gamma Knife center from January 2020 to May 2022. All patients received intracranial SRT and had PTBE. Based on treatment with Bev, patients were categorized as SRT + Bev and SRT groups. Follow-up head magnetic resonance imaging was performed to calculate PTBE and tumor volume changes. The edema index (EI) was used to assess the severity of PTBE. Additionally, the extent of tumor reduction and intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The SRT + Bev group showed a statistically significant difference in EI values before and after radiotherapy (p = 0.0115), with lower values observed after treatment, but there was no difference in the SRT group (p = 0.4008). There was a difference in the distribution of EI grades in the SRT + Bev group (p = 0.0186), with an increased proportion of patients at grades 1-2 after radiotherapy, while there was no difference in the SRT group (p > 0.9999). Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in tumor volume after radiotherapy (p < 0.05), but there was no difference in tumor volume changes between the two groups (p = 0.4089). There was no difference in intracranial PFS between the two groups (p = 0.1541). CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab significantly reduces the severity of PTBE after radiotherapy for lung cancer. However, its impact on tumor volume reduction and intracranial PFS does not reach statistical significance.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for central neurocytomas: an international multicenter retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Central neurocytomas (CNs) are uncommon intraventricular tumors, and their rarity renders the risk-to-benefit profile of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) unknown. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes of SRS for CNs and identify predictive factors. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with CNs treated with SRS at 10 centers between 1994 and 2018. Tumor recurrences were classified as local or distant. Adverse radiation effects (AREs) and the need for a CSF shunt were also evaluated. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 60 patients (median age 30 years), 92% of whom had undergone prior resection or biopsy and 8% received their diagnosis based on imaging alone. The median tumor volume and margin dose were 5.9 cm3 and 13 Gy, respectively. After a median clinical follow-up of 61 months, post-SRS tumor recurrence occurred in 8 patients (13%). The 5- and 10-year local tumor control rates were 93% and 87%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival rates were 89% and 80%, respectively. AREs were observed in 4 patients (7%), but only 1 was symptomatic (2%). Two patients underwent post-SRS tumor resection (3%). Prior radiotherapy was a predictor of distant tumor recurrence (p = 0.044). Larger tumor volume was associated with pre-SRS shunt surgery (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of appropriately selected CNs with SRS achieves good tumor control rates with a reasonable complication profile. Distant tumor recurrence and dissemination were observed in a small proportion of patients, which underscores the importance of close post-SRS surveillance of CN patients. Patients with larger CNs are more likely to require shunt surgery before SRS.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for residual skull base chordomas.

OBJECTIVE: The location of chordomas within the base of the skull and cervical junction prevents complete resection from being achieved. Previous series have shown that stereotactic radiosurgery can be used as a treatment for residual chordomas with good overall results. In the present study, we reviewed our experience in using gamma knife surgery (GKS) to treat patients with residual skull base chordomas. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with residual skull base chordomas underwent gamma knife radiosurgery from June 1996 to December 2004. The mean age of patients was 40.2 years (range: 8-70 years). There were 20 male and 11 females. The post-operative tumor volume treated with GKS ranged from 0.47 to 27.6 cm3, with a mean of 11.4+/-7.4 cm3. The mean tumor margin radiation dose was 12.7 Gy (range: 10-16 Gy), and the mean maximum dose was 29.2 Gy (range: 20.8-40 Gy). Twenty-eight patients were available for follow-up reviews, ranging from 6 to 102 months (mean: 30.2 months) and from 6 to 78 months (mean: 28 months), for clinical and image assessments, respectively. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a survival of 90.9 and 75.8% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. Most tumors were smaller in size 1 year after treatment, which paralleled an alleviation of clinical symptoms. However, nine chordomas progressed, and seven recurred over the course of follow-up. The actuarial tumor control rate was 64.2 and 21.4% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. No serious radiation-related complication was found in any of the patients with GKS alone. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma knife radiosurgery can be effectively used for residual chordomas beside surgical resection with efficacious tumor control rates.

[Efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery in treatment of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) in treatment of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. METHODS: 149 patients with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma, 97 males and 52 females, aged 42.8 (12-72 years), with a course of 6-240 months (72.5 months) and with the mean volume of tumor of 2.36 cm(3) (0.11-12.7 cm(3)) were treated by GKS. The mean dose to tumor margin was 20.87 Gy (10-30 Gy). 124 of them were followed up for 30 months (6-72 months). RESULTS: The serum GH returned normal in 74 patients (64.9%) and declined in comparison with the level before radiosurgery in 23 patients (18.5%). The tumor volume was reduced in 84 patients (67.7%) and remained unchanged in 124 patients (32.4%). Ambiopia appeared in one patient. No other complication was found during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: GKS is safe and effective on the treatment of GH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

Clinical and pathological analysis of benign brain tumors resected after Gamma Knife surgery.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to assess the clinical and pathological features of benign brain tumors that had been treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) followed by resection. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review, the authors identified 61 patients with intracranial benign tumors who had undergone neurosurgical intervention after GKS. Of these 61 patients, 27 were male and 34 were female; mean age was 49.1 years (range 19-73 years). There were 24 meningiomas, 18 schwannomas, 14 pituitary adenomas, 3 hemangioblastomas, and 2 craniopharyngiomas. The interval between GKS and craniotomy was 2-168 months, with a median of 24 months; for 7 patients, the interval was 10 years or longer. For 21 patients, a craniotomy was performed before and after GKS; in 9 patients, pathological specimens were obtained before and after GKS. A total of 29 patients underwent GKS at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital. All specimens obtained by surgical intervention underwent histopathological examination. RESULTS: Most patients underwent craniotomy because of tumor recurrence and/or exacerbation of clinical signs and symptoms. Neuroimaging analyses indicated tumor growth in 42 patients, hydrocephalus in 10 patients with vestibular schwannoma, cystic formation with mass effect in 7 patients, and tumor hemorrhage in 13 patients, of whom 10 had pituitary adenoma. Pathological examination demonstrated that, regardless of the type of tumor, GKS mainly induced coagulative necrosis of tumor parenchyma and stroma with some apoptosis and, ultimately, scar formation. In addition, irradiation induced vasculature stenosis and occlusion and tumor degeneration as a result of reduced blood supply. GKS-induced vasculature reaction was rarely observed in patients with pituitary adenoma. Pathological analysis of tumor specimens obtained before and after GKS did not indicate increased tumor proliferation after GKS. CONCLUSIONS: Radiosurgery is effective for intracranial benign tumors of small size and deep location and for tumor recurrence after surgical intervention; it is not effective for intracranial tumors with symptomatic mass effect. The radiobiological effects of stereotactic radiosurgery on the benign tumors are mainly caused by cellular and vascular mechanisms. Among the patients in this study, high-dose irradiation did not increase tumor proliferation. GKS can induce primary and secondary effects in tumors, which could last more than 10 years, thereby warranting long-term follow-up after GKS.